In a clash of former world no. 1’s and grand slam winners Germany’s Angelique Kerber defeated Garbine Muguruza of Spain at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Western Australia. Both played high-quality tennis, especially for their first matches of the 2019 season, but it was the German’s ability to hit more winners at crucial moments that allowed her to win the match and stay perfect in singles in Perth.
The opening two games were tight, but it was Kerber who first broke in the opening set at 1-1, giving her a 2-1 lead. She was able to consolidate and then break again, leading 4-1. Kerber ended up serving for and winning the first set 6-2.
In the second set, Kerber continued to play to a very high standard, but she then showed a slight decrease in her game about halfway through. Muguruza was able to break the German’s serve to lead 5-3, and she then won the set 6-3.
In the deciding third set, it was Muguruza who brought up the first break point at 1-1 but Kerber was able to save it and claim the game. Kerber then broke to lead 3-1 and Muguruza got a break back point following a successful challenge, but Kerber saved it to lead 4-1. Kerber gets a match point at 5-3, and takes the match when Muguruza hits the ball out.
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Photo: Angelique Kerber of Germany serves to Garbine Muguruza of Spain during day two of the 2019 Hopman Cup at RAC Arena on December 30, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Muguruza and Kerber’s partners David Ferrer and Alexander Zverev now face each other on RAC arena.
On the opening day, Great Britain surprised the Greek team, taking the tie 2-1, and host nation Australia got off to a good start with a 2-1 win over France.
